Courchevel Ski Holidays

Description

Courchevel lies at one end of the Three Valley’s which is the world’s largest linked ski area boasting 600km of piste in total. Courchevel itself is 150km of piste and the area is particularly good for beginners and intermediates but the access to the Three Valleys mean that there is something for everyone.

Courchevel is made up of 4 distinct villages – Le Praz/1300, Village/1550, Moriond/1650 and 1850. 1850 is the most prestigious of the villages and is targeted at the ultra rich with a host of expensive shops, restaurants, chalets and hotels. Courchevel has 13 hotels with a 5-star rating and the resort is home to 2 out of only 8 hotels in France that have been awarded a 6th star ‘Palace’ rating. This does mean that there isn’t a lot of low and mid range properties in 1850 but those with a lower budget and wanting to ski in Courchevel can stay in the lower villages for better value accommodation and still have the same fantastic access to the ski area.

Getting There

Unless you have booked a package where travel is organised for you then you will want to think about the best way for you to get to resort.

Fly

The most common route is to fly. There are four local airports to Courchevel:
•   Geneva – 149km – 3 hours
•   Lyon – 187km – 3 hours
•   Chambery – 110km – 2 hours

• Grenoble – 174km – 2 hours

Transfers from the airport

There are several transfer companies who offer shared and private transfers from the airport into resort. It is worth checking transfer arrangements before booking flights especially if you are looking for a shared transfer as these are less regular and you don’t want to be waiting around for hours at the airport.

Alps2Alps provide private transfers from Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon.

Alti Bus provides shared transfers from Geneva, Chambery and Lyon.

Bens Bus provides low cost shared transfers from Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon.

Cool Bus provides private transfers from Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon.

Europe Transfer provides private and shared airport transfers from Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Chambery.

Ski Lifts have been awarded the world’s best ski transfer operator in the world ski awards. They provide private and shared transfers from Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon and Chambery.

Snowbus provides shared transfers from Geneva on Saturdays and Sundays and private transfer from Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon every day.

3VT provides private transfers from Geneva, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble.

Train

The snow train is a popular option for Brits heading out to resort. The Eurostar runs directly from London St Pancras and Ashford in Kent to Moutiers and taking approximately 8 hours. The train runs every Saturday between December and April, and night trains on Fridays from January to April. The train is a good option if you have a lot of luggage as its generous allowance means you can take your skis and snowboard as well as two suitcases at no extra charge. Moutier is approximately 25km away from Courchevel.

Drive

If you are planning on driving to resort, you can either travel via the channel tunnel or take the ferry. The euro tunnel runs approximately every 15 minutes from Folkestone and takes 35 minutes. Prices start from £90 each way. You can book your crossing online at - https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/.

The ferry runs from both Dover to Calais and Hull to Zeebrugge. The Dover ferry operates up to 23 times a day and takes 90 minutes, and the Hull services operates overnight arricing in Seebrugge at 0845am.

On arrival in France (or Belgium if you are taking the ferry to Zeebrugge!) remember to drive on the right hand side of the road. It is important to note that there are several tolls on route down to the Alps, the prices depend on which section of road you use but the total cost will be approximately €75 in total.

European travel/vehicle requirements are very strict and on-spot fines can be issued if you don’t have: headlight converters, GB sticker, warning triangle, spare bulbs, high viz vests for each passenger in the car and breathalysers.

In certain weather conditions, the roads may become snowy and icy and although local municipalities are very good and keeping the roads clear, it can be dangerous so it is important to take extra care and attention when driving. It is a legal requirement in France to carry snow chains in your vehicle or police will refuse you access to certain roads. When driving in these conditions, slow down when you encounter any snow, use high gears to avoid wheel spin, and keep moving when driving up an incline on snow.

When to Go

Where to Stay

Courchevel is split into 4 main villages – 1850, Moriond/1650, Village/1150 and Le Praz 1300.

1850

Courchevel 1850 is considered the main hub of the resort, the whole resort is targeted at the ultra-rich and the town is incredibly expensive. The resort is filled with luxury chalets, plenty of which are ski in/ski out and there are very few low-mid range accommodation options.

1850 is split into 4 areas – Jardin Alpin, La Croisette, Resort Centre and Forum

Jardin Alpin is one of the most exclusive areas with lots of ski in/ski out chalets.

La Croisette is where the main lifts meet and where you will find lots of shops and restaurants.

The resort centre is where all the shops/restaurants/bars are and you are able to ski right into the centre.

Forum is the cheaper area of resort.

Moriond/165

Moriond is the most down-to-earth village in Courchevel. There are a large number of shops/bars/restaurants here as well as plenty of accommodation at reasonable prices. Moriond is located at the furthest of 3V so it is quite far to get to most slopes.

Village/ 1550

Courchevel 1550 is a quiet and peaceful village and is a popular choice for families. The resort isn’t the prettiest and there isn’t a lot going on in terms of bars and nightlife but it does offer easy access to the higher pistes.

Le Praz/ 1300

Courchevel Le Praz is a peaceful and pretty alpine village. The village is very small with not a lot going on. There are some good restaurants but very few bars. Le Praz offers good access to the higher pistes but due to its low altitude, the home runs can get slushy.

Getting around

There are several ‘navette gratuite’ bus services that operate across the resort and link down to Bozel. There are 7 different lines:

•   Line A and C: Le Carrey – Saint-Bon – Le Praz – Village – Aquamotion – Moriand – Courchevel
•   Line B: Le Praz – La Tania
•   Line D: Village – Les Brigues
•   Line E & F: Jardin Alpin – Pralong – Altiport
•   Line G: Courchevel– Chenus

• Line H: Moriand – Belevedere

There is a bus that runs to Meribel and takes 20 minutes. The bus only operates 4 times a day so taxing a taxi may be a better option.

To get to La Tania, you would have to travel to Le Praz and take Line B.

Apres

Courchevel itself hasn’t got that much going on in terms of après ski so it is best to head over to Meribel if you are looking for that on mountain action.

The famous Folie Douce is located near the mid station of Saulire Express. The open terrace is known for its wild entertainment with DJ’s, singers, dancers and musicians putting on a fantastic show; and The ‘Ronnie’ (Rond Point) have some of the best live music and parties around.

If you want to stay in Courchevel itself then Verdons Restaurant

is located at the top of 1850 and has a large outdoor terrace.

Kudeta is located at the foot of the slopes in Courchevel 1850 and is open from midday. The bar has a large outdoor terrace so you can pop in for a few après ski drinks and party late into the night.

In the evenings, there are a few options....

In 1650, Funky Fox is a great place to party. The bar hosts specialist nights including the infamous Bubble and Crisp DJ set on Sunday Funday.

There are several nightclubs in Courchevel 1850 , these include La Grange, Les Caves, L’Equipe, Nokken and Le Coyotte.

Eating out

Courchevel is nothing short of good places to eat with a host of Michelin starred restaurants (the majority of which are in 1850)
•   L’Azimut         1*
•   Farcon (La Tania)      1*
•   Le Baumanière (Strato)   1*
•   Hotel Le K2          1*
•   Chabichou      2*
•   Les Airelles      2*
•   K2 Altitude         2*
•   Cheval Blanc                  3*

However, there are still some good value places to eat in 1850 but cheaper places will be found in 1650 and other Three Valley resorts.

Good for Couples

Azimut

Le Praz

Courchevel

+33 4 79 06 25 90

Good for Couples

L'Arbe

Rue des Verdons

Courchevel

+33 4 79 41 22 80

Good for Couples

Le Chabichou

Rue des Chenus

Courchevel

+33 4 79 08 00 55

Good for Family

Black Pearl

Rue des Reisses

Saint-Bon-Tarentaise

Courchevel

+33 4 79 07 15 60

Good for Family

Tremplin

La Croisette

Courchevel

+33 4 79 08 06 19

Good for Friends

Black Pearl

Rue des Reisses

Saint-Bon-Tarentaise

Courchevel

+33 4 79 07 15 60

Good for Friends

Le Bel Air

On Piste Restaurant

Courchevel 1650

Courchevel

+ 33 4 79 08 00 93

Good for Friends

Le Bistrot du Praz

Rue de la Chapelle,

Courchevel

+33 4 79 08 41 33

Activities

Courchevel offers a range of activities for non skiers including:

•   Ice Skating
•   Nordic walking
•   Bowling
•   2 km toboggan run
•   Aquapark and wellness centre
•   Plane and Helicopter flights
•   Skydiving
•   Cookery courses
•   Snow cat driving

Air tours

Résidence la Saretta, N°14

Courchevel

+33 4 79 00 20 64

Heli tours, Dog Sledding, Paragliding

Courchevel

+44 779 664 0841

Ice skating & Bowling

Courchevel

+33 479 08 33 23

Ski School

There are several different ski schools available in Courchevel who offer both private and group lessons to suit all abilities of skier/boarder. Group lessons are more sociable and will work generally work out cheaper but the service is less personal than you would receive in a private lesson.

New Generation have a ski school in 1650 and 1850. The school teaches all levels of skiers and boarders in both group and private lessons and aim to match you to an instructor with the most suited skills or passions.

ESF has been running for over 70 years and have fully qualified English speaking instructors to help you improve your skills. ESF offer group and private lessons as well as mountain guiding for all abilities. The ESF ski school is located in 1850.

Supreme Ski provides lessons with top qualified instructors. They offer a range of services including private ski lessons, adult group lesson, children’s ski school and snowboard lessons.

Momentum Snowsports are a small British ski school providing ski lessons for children and adults in Courchevel.

Oxygene are the leading family-friendly, English speaking ski and snowboard school in the French Alps. Their ski school meeting point is in 1850.

British Alpine Ski and Snowboard School (BASS) have a reputation for excellence. They have a maximum of 6 people in their group lessons to give you individual attention.

Getting around

There are several ‘navette gratuite’ bus services that operate across the resort and link down to Bozel. There are 7 different lines:

• Line H: Moriand – Belevedere

There is a bus that runs to Meribel and takes 20 minutes. The bus only operates 4 times a day so taxing a taxi may be a better option.

To get to La Tania, you would have to travel to Le Praz and take Line B.

Family ski

For families looking for childcare, there are three types of care available in the Alps. Booking into a local crèche, booking with a package operator who have in-house childcare and booking a private nanny.

Crèche Facilities

ESF operate kids clubs for children from 18 months.

Package operators with childcare

Booking with a tour operator can be the easiest and most convenient form of care. Families prefer to stay with an operator who are able to offer a crèche with English speaking staff and provide similar style care that you would receive in the UK. The tour operators offer a range of activities for all ages and you can book as much or as little throughout the day as you feel comfortable with. The operators run a structured day of activities including ski school suitable for each age group.

Espirit Ski offer a range of childcare from 17 months and ski lessons from 3 years in their Chalet Hotel Crystal 2000 in Courchevel 1850.

Private nanny companies

There are a few private nanny companies that are operating in Courchevel who provide flexible levels of high quality care. The agencies are able to provide nannies on a one-to-one basis or supply a couple of nannies to care for a group of children. The childcare can take place on the piste of in the chalets depending on the children’s ages and your preference. The nannies will normally get in touch with you before your arrival in resort allowing you to give them as much information about your child as possible. In general, this method offers the most in-depth and bespoke childcare problem.

Recommended private nanny companies in Courchevel:

Merinannies is a professional private nanny service in Courchevel that has been providing first class childcare for skiing families.

Snowbug provides friendly and trustworthy private nannies.

My Travelling Nanny is a family run specialist holiday nanny agency who match families with the perfect Travelling Nanny for their holiday.

Group Ski

Childcare

Courchevel has a great deal to offer for children. From the gentle pistes to the outstanding ski schools and childcare options, along with the non-ski activities in case of bad weather, it’s a resort well-suited to families with younger children.

The slopes in Courchevel 1850 sweep down gently from the Saulire peak and peter out nicely towards the base of 1850 before continuing down through the forest towards le Praz at 1300 metres. The majority of the slopes here make for an excellent gradient for children learning to make their first turns on the snow.

Parents looking for in-house childcare in Courchevel, with easy ski access as well as childcare programmes, entertainments and pastoral care throughout the day, can check out the hotel Crystal 2000. (http://interactiveresorts.co.uk/france/courchevel/crystal-2000 ) This property offers a wide range of family-friendly facilities and parents can book the children in to everything from ski lessons and supervised lunches to kids clubs and excursions out into the resort, all under the care of the in-house childcare team.

For further childcare options, there’s a great range of external nanny services on hand, offering well-qualified and competent childcare to parents in need. Examples include Jelly and Ice Cream (http://www.jellyandice-cream.com/childcare-in-courchevel/ ) and Snow Bugs (http://www.snowbugs.co.uk/ ) who both offer fully CRB checked and experienced nannies for a wide range of childcare services in resort. Snow Angel Nannies (http://www.snowangelnannies.co.uk) are another company offering similar services.

Courchevel offers some of the finest ski tuition in the Alps and a superb range of high quality ski schools have been operating here for a great many seasons. Of course ESF are here but families with beginner children can choose from many other ski schools, all with multilingual instructors, including Magic in Motion, Supreme Ski and The Snow School to name but a few.

The Piste

Beginners

There are four beginner areas in Courchevel known as ‘Evolution Zones’. The best beginner area is located next to the altiport at Pralong, near Courchevel 1850 however the home run can be a bit daunting for beginners with the fast traffic coming through so they might be better of starting at the Evolution Zone sandwiched between the Biollay and Jardin Alpin ski lifts which provide a good network of greens. The green runs at 1650 are accessed by the Mickey chairlift.

Intermediates

Courchevel offers a good mix of tree-lined and high-altitude skiing and the resort is excellent for intermediates, with around 70% of the runs being blues or reds. The less experienced intermediates will prefer to head to 1650 as the entire area features blues and reds only, whereas the more advanced intermediates can head to 1850 where they will find some fantastic red runs in particular those off the top of the Vizelle and Saulire lifts.

Experts

The Saulire/Creux sector is a good spot for expert skiers with plenty of red and black runs. The Grand Couloir in particular is one of the more challenging pistes in resort and is accessed by riding up on the right side of the Saulire cable car. The black runs towards Le Praz are ideal when visibility isn’t so good.

The easiest and safest off-piste area is the Bel Aire area above Courchevel Moriond, either side of Pyramide/Signal/Chapelets. There are also well-known pistes of Col du Fruit and Vallee des Avals area. If you are planning on heading off piste then it is recommended that you have a guide and it’s crucial to have a 3 Valleys pass as you never know where you might end up.

Ski School

Supreme Ski provides lessons with top qualified instructors. They offer a range of services including private ski lessons, adult group lesson, children’s ski school and snowboard lessons.

Momentum Snowsports are a small British ski school providing ski lessons for children and adults in Courchevel.

Oxygene are the leading family-friendly, English speaking ski and snowboard school in the French Alps. Their ski school meeting point is in 1850.

British Alpine Ski and Snowboard School (BASS) have a reputation for excellence. They have a maximum of 6 people in their group lessons to give you individual attention.

Equipment Hire

Lift Passes

There are two types of lift passes available in Courchevel. The Courchevel local area pass which covers the local valley only or the full Three Valleys pass. Most skiers will buy the 6 day pass as it allows you explore more pistes however it is of course more expensive.

6 Day Ski Pass   Courchevel Valley Pass   Three Valley Pass
Adult (13-64yrs)   €256 €300
Child (5-12yrs)    €205 €240
Senior (65-75yrs)   €231 €270

Discounted prices are available for groups of two
(Duo) or more (Tribu). These are only valid on 6,7 or 8 day passes and
are only available for passes bought at the same time, online for the
same duration in the same ski area in a single transaction. Special
discounts are available for groups of 20 plus.

6 Day Courchevel Valley Pass Three Valley Pass

2 Persons Duo Pass €240 €290

(price per person)

3 Persons Tribu Pass €241 €285

(price per person)

Free passes are available for under 5s and over 75s. Proof of age is required.

Family passes
are available where all members pay the child’s rate. Family passes are
available to families of: 2 parents + 2 children (5-17years) and any
extra child. The passes are only valid when at least 4 passes are bought
at the same time for the same duration and ski area.

For beginners, there are several mini-passes available:
•   1850: Altiport, Bellecote, Cospillot, Etoiles, Ferme, Rocher de l’Ombre, Sources, Jardin Alpin, Verdons & Golf
•   1650: Belvedere, Mickey, Petit Bosse, Ariondaz & Petit Moriond
•   1550: Roys, Grangettes, Tovets
•   1300: Envolee & Le Praz

• La Tania: Troika, Tania & Mon Tania

Mini passes vary from €22.50 to €26 per day depending on location.

You
can pre-book your lift pass online from the lift pass office or buy it
in resort when you arrive. Alternatively, you can pre-book you basses
through the operator you are staying with who will deliver the pass for
you upon your arrival. This is generally the easiest and most convenient
method of purchase as you don’t have to worry about the hassle of going
to pick it up and can straight out on the slopes on you first day.